Du Jianshan squatted down to look at the wild boar: "We can take this one back. First, we'll clean up the traps, then we'll deal with it back at the camp."
The two put away the traps along the way, and Du Jianshan reminded them: "Tighten the ropes so there are fewer marks. The animals in the mountains are very clever."
Old Zhou asked casually, "In all your years of hunting, what was the most difficult time you've ever been?"
Du Jianshan recalled: "That flash flood trapped me for three days. Wild boars, deer, and goats all scattered. In the end, I managed to get down the mountain by using my wit and patience. The mountains teach you one thing—never underestimate your enemy."
The wind blew after the rain, rustling the fallen leaves as the two men carried their prey down the mountain, their steps careful and steady.
Back at camp, Old Zhou patted him on the shoulder: "Tonight's prey is enough to feed us for several days."
Du Jianshan laughed: "The prey is for people to use, so we can't waste it. Let's clean it up first, so we can enjoy it tonight."
The two men busied themselves cleaning the game and hanging it on a rack to dry. Old Zhou looked at Du Jianshan with admiration in his eyes: "You're not only skilled, but also a great hunter. Thanks to you today."
Du Jianshan lowered his head, his eyes calm: "It's just a habit. What you learn in the mountains comes from your heart and experience."
As evening fell, by the campfire, Old Zhou cut open a piece of wild boar meat. The firelight reflected on their faces, revealing their determination and tacit understanding. Du Jianshan handed him a piece: "Eat up, replenish your strength. We'll continue tomorrow."
Old Zhou took it, took a bite, and said, "It tastes really good. What you taught me is really useful."
Du Jianshan looked at the distant mountain peaks. The mist gradually dissipated, and the sky was tinged with gold: "There is no eternal peace in the mountains. Tomorrow may be even more difficult. We need to be prepared."
The next morning, before dawn, a thick fog blanketed the mountains, so damp that even breathing felt chilly. Du Jianshan slung his hunting rifle over his shoulder and led Lao Zhou toward the wild boar tracks they had discovered the day before.
Old Zhou rubbed his eyes: "It's not even dawn yet, and you're already waking me up. It's so cold in these mountains."
Du Jianshan chuckled softly, "You'll get used to it. If we set off a little later, the wild boars might have already left. We need to find them before they wake up."
The two quietly made their way along the slippery mountain path, the fallen leaves crunching under their feet. The mist, like a thin veil, blurred the distant woods into a grayish-white hue.
Du Jianshan pointed to the footprints and whispered, "Look, there are fresh wild boar tracks here, even fresher than yesterday. There are at least three. Be careful, they're nearby."
Old Zhou stared nervously at the footprints: "Three? Can we surround them?"
Du Jianshan narrowed his eyes: "Yes, but you have to be steady and not disturb them. Remember, if you panic, your movements will become chaotic, and you won't be able to keep your gun steady."
A slight rustling of leaves came from the woods. Du Jianshan stopped and whispered, "Quiet, they're here."
Three wild boars poked their heads out of the fog, sniffing the ground. Old Zhou gripped his gun tightly, his voice trembling slightly: "What are they doing?"
Du Jianshan crouched down and whispered instructions: "Approach slowly, don't rush. You go around to the right, I'll flank you from the left and block your escape route."
The wild boar seemed to sense something was wrong and suddenly charged at Lao Zhou. Lao Zhou took a few steps back and steadied his gun: "It's coming for me!"
Du Jianshan moved quickly: "Don't let it go deep into the woods!"
The first gunshot pierced the fog, the wild boar fell, and dust flew everywhere. Old Zhou breathed a sigh of relief: "That was close! I almost didn't react in time this time."
Du Jianshan walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Your movements are fine, just stay calm."
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